Quilt Block Drawstring Bag

Categories: Gifts, Bags and Totes, Patriotic

Turn a standard quilt block into a fun drawstring bag. This bag uses Block 1 from our Block of the Month Series.

What you need to make this project

Materials
1/2 Yard Shield
1 Yard Fabric A
1/2 Yard Fabric B
Finished Quilt Block

Quick Shop

X

Shield Liner Fabric Craft Pack

Quantity

Price: $12.99

Loading Updating cart...

I’m so excited to share with you the first project as part of the Fairfield 2015 Technique Block of the Month. over the course of the year, we’ll make a baby sampler quilt, and you can make the monthly project as well. Or, you can just make the monthly projects – it is up to you! This month, I’m making a Drawstring Bag, using the Half-Square Triangle block we made earlier this month. However, you could use any block from this quilt, or any block that finishes at 12″ (is 12.5″ x 12.5″ before getting stitched into the quilt).

Quilt Block Drawstring Bag

Start by cutting your fabric, Along with your Monthly Quilt Block, you’ll need:

Fabric A (outer fabric):
1 – 12.5″ x 8.5″
1 – 20.5″ x 12.5″
2 – 2.5″ x WOF (Width of Fabric)

Fabric B (lining fabric):
2 – 20.5″ x 12.5″

Fairfield Shield
2 – 20.5″ x 12.5″

Start by stitching the 12.5″ x 8.5″ piece to the top of your quilt block. You can use whichever block you like – here I’m making two different versions. Press the seam.

stitch top piece to block

Put the two 20.5″ x 12.5″ pieces right sides together. Put the shield on the top and on the bottom, sandwiching the fabric in the middle.

layer lining

Pin along the two 20.5″ sides, and the bottom 12.5″ side.If you’d like to keep the bag as water resistant as possible, use clips instead of pins to hold the layers together. Stitch along the three sides, leaving a 5″ gap at the bottom, which will be used for turning later.

clip edges of lining

Put the piece face down onto the 20.5″ x 12.5″ backing piece. Stitch along the long sides and the bottom, just like you did with the lining in the last step, but no need to leave a hole for turning this time.

stitch both sets

Turn the outside piece right-side out.

flip top layer right side out

Place the outside in the inside, and pin in place.

pin layers together

Stitch all the way around the top.

stitch in lining

Using the hole you left in the lining, flip the whole bag right side out. Then tuck the lining into the bag, and pin around the top.

pin together top

Top stitch 1/8″ away from the edge to secure the top edge and give the bag a nice, finished look.

edge stitch

Measure 3 1/2″ from the top edge, and mark, then 1 1/4″ from the mark you just made, and make a second mark. Repeat on the back.

draw lines

Pin the layers in place, then top stitch all the way around, on both lines. This creates the casing for the draw string.

pin and stitch on lines

Use a seam ripper to open up the side seams on either side of the casing. If you like, use a little Fray Check on the seams to prevent fraying.

open up casing holes

Fold the 2 1/2″ strips in half, and stitch all the way down the length.

stitch draw strings

Turn the draw string right side out, and press flat.

iron draw strings flat

Top stitch 1/4″ from each side.

top stitch draw string

Using a bodkin or large safety pin, thread the draw string into one hole, all the way around. Then repeat with the other side.

string through casing

Tie the ends in an overhand knot.

tie knot in ends

Your bag is complete!

draw string laundry bag